2.3.c - Openness and transparency 2.6.b - European Commission: President and Commissioners

Geographic Indicators:

European Union

Further information:

Beyond the earlier proposal to extend the 'cooling-off' period from 18 months to two years for former Commissioners and to three years for the President of the European Commission, the new Code of Conduct sets clearer rules and higher ethical standards and introduces greater transparency in a number of areas. It also creates an Independent Ethical Committee with reinforced status to strengthen scrutiny and to provide advice on ethical standards.

In the spirit of transparency and accountability, the Commission agreed to publish annual reports on the application of the Code.

Background information:

The adoption of this set of rules followed the initial announcement by the European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker at the 2017 State of the Union address and the consultation of the European Parliament.